Alfalfa vs. Grass Hay: Which Should Your Horse Be Eating?
When it comes to feeding your horse, nutrition is key. While most equestrians understand that forage is a necessary part of a horse’s diet, choosing between alfalfa vs. grass hay can be confusing. Each has distinct nutritional properties that make them suited for different types of horses, activities, and feeding strategies.
Alfalfa Hay: Rich and Powerful
Nutritional Profile
Alfalfa is a legume, not a grass, which gives it a distinct nutrient profile. It’s known for being:
- High in protein (often 15-20%)
- Rich in calcium
- Dense in digestible energy
- More palatable for picky eaters
This makes alfalfa a popular choice for:
- Growing foals
- Pregnant or lactating mares
- Performance horses with high caloric demands
- Older horses needing weight support
Pros
- Promotes weight gain: Alfalfa is energy-dense and helps underweight horses add pounds safely.
- Improves muscle development: Its high protein content supports muscle repair and growth.
- Reduces acid in the stomach: Calcium acts as a buffer, potentially reducing the risk of ulcers.
Cons
- Not suitable for all horses: Easy keepers, sedentary horses, or those prone to metabolic issues may gain too much weight or develop imbalances.
- Imbalanced calcium-to-phosphorus ratio: May require additional phosphorus supplementation to avoid nutritional issues.
Grass Hay: Balanced and Versatile
Nutritional Profile
Grass hay includes varieties like timothy, orchardgrass, brome, and bermudagrass. Generally, these hays are:
- Lower in protein (typically 7-12%)
- Lower in calories and calcium
- Higher in fiber
- More moderate in nutrient density
Grass hay works well for:
- Maintenance horses
- Easy keepers
- Horses on a concentrate-heavy diet that still need long-stem fiber
Pros
- Supports healthy digestion: High fiber content promotes a stable digestive tract.
- Less risk of overfeeding: More forgiving for horses that gain weight easily.
Cons
- May lack protein or energy: Not ideal as the only forage for hard keepers or high-performance horses.
- Variable quality: Nutrient content can vary widely based on maturity, storage, and growing conditions.
Pellets and Cubes: Bagged Forage Advantages
Not all horse owners have the luxury of fresh bales. Enter bagged forage products, such as:
- Alfalfa or Timothy hay pellets
- Alfalfa or Timothy Alfalfa hay cubes
These products are a convenient, consistent, and clean alternative to loose hay. Especially valuable in boarding barns, race barns, or show stables, bagged forage products eliminate dust, reduce waste, and make portion control easier.
Why Choose Bagged Forage?
- Consistency: Greenway Animal Nutrition products are batch-tested and consistent, meaning your horse receives the same quality every time.
- Storage-Friendly: Bagged forage doesn’t require large barns or haylofts.
- Dust-Free: Helps horses with respiratory sensitivities.
- Easy to Measure: Perfect for supplementation with commercial grain blends or complete feeds.
These products are also ideal when traveling or during inclement weather when hay quality might be compromised. By offering bagged alfalfa or grass hay supplements, you can keep your horse nourished and healthy year-round.
Which Should You Choose: Alfalfa or Grass Hay?
Consider Your Horse’s Unique Needs
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to the alfalfa vs. grass hay debate. The decision depends on several factors:
- Workload: Performance horses may benefit from alfalfa’s higher protein and energy.
- Metabolism: Easy keepers do better with grass hay’s lower caloric density.
- Health status: Horses with ulcers may thrive on alfalfa due to its buffering properties.
- Life stage: Foals and broodmares generally require more protein and calcium, tipping the scale toward alfalfa.
- Allergies or sensitivities: Horses prone to respiratory issues might tolerate dust-free forage cubes better than baled hay.
Hybrid Feeding Strategies
Many horse owners find that blending alfalfa and grass hay offers the best of both worlds. For example:
- A 70/30 mix of grass hay to alfalfa cubes provides added nutrients without overwhelming your horse.
- Feeding grass hay freely while supplementing with alfalfa pellets supports both appetite and muscle development.
- Using Greenways Timothy Alfalfa Cubes offers a great blend of both hays for optimal nutrition for the majority of horses
How to Transition Between Forages
Whenever you change a horse’s diet, do so gradually to avoid digestive upset. Whether moving from baled hay to forage cubes or switching from grass to alfalfa:
- Start with a small portion of the new forage.
- Mix it with the current forage.
- Slowly increase the ratio over 7–10 days.
- Monitor your horse’s weight, energy, and stool consistency.
Greenway Animal Nutrition’s bagged forage products are easy to soak, making them ideal for horses with dental issues or hydration challenges. The soft texture also helps encourage horses to chew thoroughly, aiding digestion.
Common Myths About Alfalfa and Grass Hay
Myth 1: Alfalfa Causes Kidney Damage
This is false. While alfalfa is high in protein, healthy horses have no trouble excreting the excess nitrogen. However, horses with existing kidney disease may require dietary adjustments.
Myth 2: Grass Hay Is Always Better
Not necessarily. Grass hay is lower in energy and protein, which may not be enough for young, growing, or working horses. The key is matching the forage to your horse’s condition and workload.
Myth 3: Forage Pellets and Cubes Aren’t Natural
While processed, high-quality forage pellets and cubes retain all the essential nutrients and fiber found in long-stem hay, with no additives or preservatives. When manufactured responsibly, like those at Greenway, they provide a safe and nutritious alternative.
The Greenway Animal Nutrition Advantage
At Greenway Animal Nutrition, we understand that every horse is different, and so are their feeding needs. That’s why we offer a diverse selection of premium bagged forage products designed to supplement any feeding program.
Our forage pellets and cubes are available in both alfalfa and grass hay formulations, ensuring that whether your horse needs a protein boost or just a steady source of digestible fiber, we’ve got you covered.
Why Choose Greenway?
- Premium quality assurance through testing and sourcing
- Consistent nutrient profiles for balanced diets
- Convenient packaging and dust-free options
- Suitable for all horse types and disciplines
From active competitors to retired trail horses, we have the right blend to meet your horse’s needs.
Final Thoughts: Alfalfa vs. Grass Hay
Choosing between alfalfa vs. hay doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By understanding the nutritional differences and evaluating your horse’s lifestyle, you can create a feeding strategy that supports long-term health and performance.
With Greenway Animal Nutrition’s forage pellets, cubes, and meal, you can supplement your horse’s diet with confidence, convenience, and care.
Ready to Elevate Your Horse’s Nutrition?
At Greenway Animal Nutrition, we recognize that high-quality feed is essential for maintaining healthy, well-nourished horses. That’s why we offer premium forage products designed to meet the needs of horse owners, breeders, and trainers. Whether you’re caring for a high-performance racehorse, a trusted riding companion, or a herd on your farm, our diverse selection of forage pellets, cubes, and meal provides a reliable feeding solution.
Reach out to us today and discover the Greenway difference!